Religion

When late November looms and the air grows chill, even in the sunny South, I become more meditative. I am drawn to thankfulness.
Hubby Dear quickly reminded me that Meister Eckhart, a German theologian trained in Paris, wrote: “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” So this year I thought I’d invite folks to join me in contemplation of gratitude.

I have often read and as frequently led discussions on the scriptural account that portrays a doubting Thomas whose request to touch Jesus’ wounds is honored by the God-man who loves him. Always, there would be much talk about the reality that doubt exists whether we admit it or not. There would be acknowledgment that none of the apostles was devoid of doubt, but that Thomas was open and honest about his predicament. Then we’d continue to probe the Scriptures for other bits of transformative grace until the session ended.

I recently received a copy of “Unexpected Presence: Twelve Surprising Encounters With The Divine Spirit,” edited by David Fortier. Usually, I find a series of this sort interesting but not particularly inspiring or moving. I prefer a single author and a longer, more detailed account that unfolds more elaborately…a novel versus short stories.
This book proved to be an exception to that rule. The contents of each tale intrigued me and caused me to meditate on times when I had experienced the unexpected presence of God, a surprise of time, place and people.

I was born and reared in New England at a time when denominations did not mix and the word ecumenism was not in the dictionary.
If it was, no one mentioned it. Interfaith dialogue was equally foreign. We all remained firmly ensconced in our own enclaves, fortified by our particular code, creed and cult.
It was understandable I had never heard the phrase, “stand in the gap.” Never heard it, that is, until I moved south.